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The Spartans kept their postseason hopes alive with the win over Berwick, but Keating was quick to caution the team can't afford any more slip ups along the way. Reaching the subregional playoffs is going to be tough. Qualifying for the Eastern Conference may be the way to go as long as the Spartans continue to win. In the two Valley West victories this year, the Spartans won the line of scrimmage and the defense was able to pressure the quarterback. Look for the Spartans to do the same tonight.

Scouting Coughlin

Six turnovers in the past two weeks is a problem. The Crusaders were able to overcome those issues two weeks ago and hold on to beat Western Wayne. They were not as lucky last week, giving up an interception return for a score and a costly fumble on a potential game-tying drive. Coughlin averages 5.9 yards per carry and is led by Zac Evans, who has rushed for 690 yards on the season. Keen has been Tim Pilch's favorite target, catching a team-best six passes for an average of 14.5 yards per reception.

Keys to the game

1. Ground and pound. Valley West found a comfort zone running the ball against Berwick and exploited it. Coughlin's bread and butter is running the ball. Both teams better come ready to stop the run this week. The Spartans average 4.8 yards per carry and 193.7 yards per game on the ground.

2. Critical mistakes. The Spartans made two last week against Berwick, but were able to overcome them. The Crusaders made some errors that hurt them. The top priority is taking care of the football.

3. Where do we go from here? Valley West had its back against the wall last week and came out swinging. Coughlin is in similar spot this week. How the Crusaders respond to the adversity will go a long way in telling how the rest of the year will go.

Prediction

A week ago, the talk was this game would match an unbeaten Coughlin team against a one-win Valley West team. What a difference. Valley West found its identity last week and dominated Berwick while Coughlin walked off the field at Dallas needing to regroup.

Both teams play physical up front and both teams come to play on the defensive side of the ball. The difference will be which team can take care of the football. Both squads have been prone to make mistakes at critical points.

Valley West needs to take advantage of its speed to make the big plays. Look for the Valley West defense to put Coughlin in difficult down and distance situations and take the Crusaders out of their comfort zone on offense. Valley West 28, Coughlin 13.

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